EU strikes deal on migrants

Dozens of illegal immigrants gather in a yard guarded by Libyan police in Misrata, Libya, on Feb. 18, 2015. Libya has long been a transit point for migrants seeking to reach Malta, Italy, and other places in Europe

EU states have struck a deal to relocate tens of thousands of migrants who have arrived in Italy and Greece.

Dozens of illegal immigrants gather in a yard guarded by Libyan police in Misrata, Libya, on Feb. 18, 2015. Libya has long been a transit point for migrants seeking to reach Malta, Italy, and other places in Europe

The deal, made by EU leaders in Brussels, will see member states share the burden of 40,000 migrants who have crossed the Mediterranean.

However, there will be no mandatory quotas for countries, and Britain’s opt-out on EU home affairs issues means it is not obliged to take part reports Sky News.

New figures from UNHCR – the UN refugee agency – reveal that 63,000 migrants have arrived in Greece by sea this year and 62,000 in Italy.

After late-night talks at the European Council summit, president Donald Tusk said: “Leaders agreed that 40,000 persons in need will be relocated from Greece and Italy to other states over the next two years.

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